NFL Week 10 - SUNDAY TICKET

WHEN THE BEARS HAVE THE BALL: They've received huge jolts from two rookies from Michigan. RB Anthony Thomas (580 yards, four TDs), the team's second-round pick, has provided a running game, while WR David Terrell, the first-round selection, has helped on the outside. It hasn't mattered who plays quarterback, either Jim Miller or Shane Matthews. Marty Booker (54 catches, 564 yards, four TDs) is the Bears' most consistent receiving threat. Tampa Bay leads the NFC in turnover margin (plus-11), but the offense rarely capitalizes on turnovers. The Bucs rank eighth in total defense, but have allowed some key fourth-quarter drives. LB Derrick Brooks needs eight tackles to pass former LB Hardy Nickerson as the franchise's career leader. DT Anthony McFarland, out the past two games with a knee sprain, is back.

WHEN THE BUCS HAVE THE BALL: One of the league's worst rushing attacks (87.9 yards per game, 27th in the NFL) will try to get something going against one of its best run defenses (78.9 yards per game, third). Tampa Bay still is searching for the right combination of FB Mike Alstott (339 yards, four TDs) and TB Warrick Dunn (224 yards, two TDs). In doing so, the Bucs continue to find that their best offense is QB Brad Johnson (61.9 percent, 1,752 yards, nine TDs, four interceptions) throwing to WR Keyshawn Johnson (59 catches, 745 yards). Tampa Bay is converting just 35.1 percent of its third-down conversion attempts and has scored only one offensive touchdown in five of its eight games this season. WR Jacquez Green will miss his fourth straight game with a groin injury, and that won't help against a Chicago defense that stacks the line of scrimmage. The Bears have allowed fewer points (115) than all but two teams in the league.

THE BUZZ: The Bucs are 15-4 in November, December and January regular-season games the past three seasons. Only the Baltimore Ravens are better (15-3). If that trend doesn't continue, the Bucs will fall three games behind the Bears -- with some cold weather on the horizon.